The next day was going to be boring by all accounts. Aspect had a mostly empty house, with his daughters going off to Canterlot to hold the city together…

Though he did appreciate the guest he did have~

“And so today I have learned that Aspect before coffee and Aspect after coffee are two completely different ponies,” Bon Bon chuckled as she sipped from her own cup. “Not to mention worldview shattering princesses and a best friend who is going to needle me relentlessly when I get home.”

“Eh, it’s not like we did too much, and all of that was at your place,” Aspect said before sipping at his coffee. “I mean, unless you had a plan before being confronted with morning-me.”

“I might have,” she winked. “But now you will never know, will you~?”

“Well, I don’t have to be on-shift for my weather job for a few hours,” Aspect said. “So there’s still time…”

“But alas, candy does not grow on trees dear stallion,” Bon Bon sighed wistfully. “I have to go and start cooking, some of those candies take hours.”

“Fair enough,” Aspect said with a shrug. “I should be off by fourish, I’ll probably spend my time here once I do get off. Mostly so I can stop using your shower for once. Feel free to come over after then if you want.”

“We’ll see,” Bon Bon smiled. “The stores remain open a little later today, so I won’t be done til around six.” She got up and kissed his cheek. “Though if you stop by, I might be persuaded to whip up some… special candy~”

“So I’ll be showing up at around four ten, four fifteen,” the stallion amended. “I mean, barring some major catastrophe.”

The universe took this moment to sit back and laugh…

“See you then,” his marefriend smiled and gave him a very nice morning kiss before heading off to work.

“And thus I am motivated for the day,” Aspect said, before downing the rest of his coffee in one go. “Good thing it’s clear skies today, I might even be able to get off earlier if I work hard!”

“Hi Aspect!” Pinkie said from his window. “You ready to paaarrrTAY!”

“I have to work, Pinkie,” Aspect said as he walked to the front door.

“Oh yeah…” Pinkie pulled out some papers out of her mane and sorted through them. “Oopsie, I had the script mixed up. So, wanna walk into town together?”

“Eh, I got time before I have to show up for the weather shift,” Aspect said once he was out the door. “I can hang out for a little bit.”

“Woohoo!” Pinkie cartwheeled. “I’m headed to Rarity’s. She’s made some dresses for the Grand Galloping Gala and I can’t wait to see them!”

“Just as long as she doesn’t try to make me one, or ask to make one for my daughters,” Aspect said with a sigh. “They’ve left and I am really fine with the cape she made me. I should wear it more often.”

“Yup, a superhero needs a cape,’ Pinkie nodded. “You already have your mild-mannered disguise and a single weakness. So a cape is needed to complete the set.”

“I do my best to overcome my weaknesses,” Aspect chuckled. “I think of them as learning opportunities.”

“And if Equestria suddenly ran out of coffee?” Pinkie asked, walking backwards in front of him.

“Then it would be subjected to morning-me for about an hour every day as I slowly woke up,” Aspect said. “A nice shower and breakfast work wonders.”

“Fair enough,” Pinkie nodded. She would find his weakness eventually.

“Alright,” Aspect said as they walked through the outskirts. “Now what?”

As the reached the center of town, a weight dropped down onto Aspects back and a pair of hooves hugged his neck.

“Mmm, I smell the scent of, somepony that got lucky~” Cloud Kicker smiled.

“You again,” Aspect sighed.

“Aww, you don’t sound happy to see me,” Cloud pouted and looked at Pinkie. “Heya Pinks!”

“Hi Kicky!” Pinkie beamed and waved. “And Aspect is lucky?”

“Oh yes he is~” Cloud licked her lips. “I bet he had the most delicious candy yesterday.”

“Aww, I want candy too,” Pinkie pouted and then gasped. “To Bon Bon’s!!” and like that she vanished in a pink blur.

“You just had to sic her on my marefriend,” the stallion sighed again. “Off. I’m not a taxi.”

“Nope, more like a warm and fuzzy cloud,” the mare sighed as she reclined, her back against the back of his neck. “So comfy-eeep!” she gave a squeal of surprise as a white pegasus with a green and pink mane pulled her off.

“Sorry about her, she needs a tighter leash I think,” the pegasus mare sighed.

“Ooh, so you’re into pet play huh Blossomforth~” Cloud licked her lips as she pulled the now-blushing pegasus into a hug. “I don’t mind wearing a collar for you~”

“Aaaaah, shutup!” Blossom blushed harder.

“Thank you,” the stallion said to the new arrival. “There’s only so much of her I can take.”

“Cloud Kicker is best taken in small doses,” Blossom sighed and pushed the huggy pegasus back. “My name’s Blossomforth. I handle the more technical things with the weather team as well as being Rainbow’s assistant.”

“She also likes long walks on the beach, tinkering with gadgets and is double-jointed just about everywhere~” Kicker added.

“Balanced Aspect,” the nondescript pegasus introduced himself. “Owner of the Everfree Estate.”

“That mansion on the border of town?” Blossom said, rather surprised. “I don’t think anyone’s lived there in decades.”

“Because you’d have to be richer than the creator to buy the place,” Cloud pointed out. “What, are you squatting there or something?”

“The Princesses gave it to me, as payment for services rendered,” the stallion said. “Also because they know I’d never accept anything else once I got my hooves under me again.”

The two mares just stared at him with wide eyes. Just what kind of stallion was this guy?

“Oh, the Boss is also blowing off work today,’ Cloud said, wanting to change the subject away from the possible brain-breaking topic. “Something about a dress?”

“Figures,” Blossom sighed. “So who is working today?”

“Us, Thunderlane, Flitter and Cloudchaser,” Kicker said. “Lucky stallions, they get to be surrounded by cute mares all day.” Then her eyes sparkled. “Ooh, we have to office all to ourselves…”

“Cloudy. No.” Blossom said firmly.

“Aww,” the mare wilted.

“Sooner started, sooner finished,” Aspect said as his wings flared. “It’s still set for a clear day, yes?”

“Yup, clear skies for the rest of the week,” Blossom nodded.

“Then I’ll get started now,” he said. “I have plans after work. And the sooner ‘after work’ gets here, the happier I’ll be.” With that, he was off into the skies.

“Well… that was… abrupt,” Blossom said to her friend. “Was it something I said?”

Cloud Kicker just shrugged.

Aspect had found his ‘section’ of the sky to keep clear rather easily, and was already hard at it. Being normal felt weird, but at least he wasn’t turning the clouds he was bucking into thunderheads before they had to go.

“Yoohoo, Aspect darling!” Rarity called out from down below. “Could I have a minute of your time please?”

“Just five minutes,” Aspect called down before turning to one cloud and bucking it out of the sky. “I still have a whole swath of clouds to go.”

“Fair enough,” she replied. The first thing that he noticed was that her normally flawlessly styled mane was looking a bit… undone. And she had dark rings under her eyes. “I heard that you would be attending the Gala and wish to know if you desire an addition to your ensemble?”

The stallion decided to pull of one of Rainbow Dash’s tricks and flew right at the line of clouds he had yet to take care of, one hoof extended. His speed saw him through...most of them. He bounced off the last one.

He tumbled in the air, before a light blue aura caught him and stabilised him. “Are you alright?” she called out. “That looked rather unpleasant.”

“Yeah, I just wasn’t fast enough to do them all,” Aspect said with a shake of his head. “Two seconds, I’ll take care of that cloud and be right with you. After this I’m free for the day.”

“There’s no need to rush darling,” Rarity said to him and sighed. “Believe me… I could use the break.”

“Still, it’d be nice to be done,” Aspect said, quickly flying up and bucking the cloud. The stallion sighed and wiped his forehead before landing in front of Rarity again. “And there, done for the day. What can I help you with?”

“Tut tut darling, it’s what I can help you with,” Rarity smiled. “We need to make a few additions to your cape I made you. The Gala is only a few weeks away after all.”

“Oh, right,” Aspect said with a nod. “That’s back at my home. There’s so little call for a cape. Want me to go get it?”

“Not necessary, I have the patterns memorised,” Rarity nodded. Her stomach gave a rumble and she smiled sheepishly. “Hehe, seems I’m a bit peckish as well. Care to stop for lunch first?”

“My treat,” Aspect said. “You wait right here while I go get my saddlebag and bits, I’ll be back in no time.”

Rarity nodded and remained where she was. Blossom spied the stallion and flew over to him.

“You done already? That was fast.”

“Eh, I picked up a knack for busting things,” Aspect said with a shrug. “If you don’t mind, I’m gonna take a friend to lunch after knocking off for the day.”

“Sure, if you’re done then there’s not much point in sticking around,” Blossom nodded. “Don’t forget to write down how long you worked and which section you cleared in the log book.”

“Will do,” Aspect said with a salute before altering his plans. Log book first, then home, then Rarity.

“You know we have a shower here in the office right?” Blossom pointed to a room on the left side. “If that was your reason for heading home at least. Did Rainbow actually explain anything to you beyond. ‘To kick cloud, place hoof here’?”

“She also said that enlisting with Ponyville’s weather service meant I would have to act suitably awed by her tricks and clearing speed,” Aspect said seriously.

Blossom blinked slowly and facehooved. “Are you bucking kidding me?” she sighed. “Tomorrow… I will show you how to do this job properly,” she groaned. “Until then, enjoy the rest of your day Aspect.”

“And there’s actually a very good reason I’m not using the in-office shower,” Aspect said as he wrote out the rest of the time and section he’d cleared. “Two words, one name.”

“Cloud Kicker?” Blossom deadpanned.

“Cloud Kicker,” Aspect nodded.

“Fair enough,” the mare sighed, she could feel a headache coming on. “Though, she is my friend. And despite her words, she won’t do anything without your permission. She actually has a rather strict set of ‘Rules for Banging’ she follows.” Blossom wasn’t sure which emotion to express for that. “She’s just… persistent. You’ll learn to tune her out eventually.”

“Hopefully,” Aspect said. “Well, take care. I’m off.”

“Good bye,” Blossom waved as the stallion left.

Getting his things hadn’t taken long at all. Say what you would about Aspect’s sense of direction when he was encountering something for the first time or when you changed where things were, but once he got used to a system, he’d remember it for a long time. He picked up his saddlebag, made sure the cape was in it, and flew back to Rarity’s...after stopping halfway out the door and remembering to shower first.

“And back,” he said, touching down lightly in front of her. “So, where to, m’lady?”

“Hmm, I think we should just get a quick snack and head back to my boutique,” she nodded as she got up. She frowned and started muttering. “I have a lot of work to do as is, since a bunch of ungrateful someponies can’t be happy with what I designed…”

“Someone is telling the artiste how to design?” Aspect said with a raised eyebrow. “That hardly seems right. You don’t tell them how to do their jobs. Why can’t they trust that what you’ve made is the best?”

“Because, I want them to be happy with what they’re wearing,” Rarity sighed and hung her head. “Even if I think galoshes is the most hideous idea I have ever heard.”

“Hmm…” Aspect said. “I have an idea. Perhaps if others were to see the result of their design work, it might make them realize just how wonderful your original designs were.”

“Perhaps,” the unicorn said and brushed a lock of mane from her eyes. “Well, its an idea at least. But they are awfully stubborn about it.”

She led him to a small cafe where they picked up some sandwiches and coffee before heading for the Boutique. Once inside, Rarity dropped her saddlebags near the door and Aspect spied five dresses, five wonderful dresses sitting on ponnequins near one wall.

“See, those are wonderful, even I can tell that much,” Aspect said. “And I’m from the era when ponykind didn’t wear much more than ribbons in their manes and tails as a rule.”

Rarity shuddered, not being able to wear a pretty dress? That was a time too horrible to even think about. “Well, with luck, their new dresses will be… just as lovely.” She looked like she was about to be sick. “Nethertheless. Let us move on to you dear Aspect.”

“Rarity,” he said softly. “I know that I have a station. I know that I have a title. But I really would be uncomfortable with anything more than this simple cape.” He got it out for emphasis. “Anything more complex than this...ill suits me. I fell into my role by accident. I fulfill it gladly, but I was never one to lord it over other’s heads.”

Rarity paused and turned to him. “Aspect dear. I am well aware of your aversion to the… theatrics of the noble life. But dressing up a little never hurt anyone. Besides, wouldn't you like to look your best for Bon Bon~?”

“As long as whatever you decide looks good on me doesn’t have a list of instructions for how to take it off and put it on,” Aspect chuckled. “Then I will leave myself to your hooves. For one outfit, at least.”

“Not to worry darling. The idea I have could not be any simpler.” She floated over a sketch book and looked him over. “Now, I assume you will be sticking to your pegasus form?”

“Indeed,” Aspect said with a nod. “It’s one of my more comfortable forms to assume.”

Rarity nodded and started sketching. About ten minutes later, she smiled and showed him her design. Along with the cape, she added a simple sleeved vest with a ruffled collar. The cuffs had some subtle jeweled cufflinks and the jacket itself would be made of a patterned black velvet.

“That looks wonderful,” he said with a smile. “I can see myself wearing that, easily.”

“Now why can’t my friends be so easily pleased?” Rarity sighed and smiled. “Sorry, this complaining is terribly unprofessional of me.”

“It’s just because they don’t understand how to be appreciative of the things they’ve...been given…” An idea struck Aspect, and he chuckled wickedly. “Oh Rarity. Would you say they need a lesson in such matters?”

“There’s no need for that,” Rarity said and shook her head. “Besides, letting you ‘teach’ them is inviting disaster.”

It was then that her boutique door opened and Spike came rushing in.

“Hey Rarity, I have some great news! Hoity Toity is in town. And he wants to see the Gala dresses!”

Rarity looked like she’d just been thrown in front of a speeding train.

“Oh dear…”

“Spike, my dragon,” Aspect said as he walked closer. “Why don’t you take me to this pony? If he’s any judge of beauty, I think we can work out a plan together.”

“Huh? Aspect?” Spike looked to Rarity, then back to the pegasus. “Um, okay?”

“Not to worry,” Aspect said with a wink to Rarity. “I’ll make sure it all comes out well in the end. Just keep those dresses handy.”

Rarity just nodded as Spike led him out of the Boutique. Today… was not going to end well.

Bon Bon sighed as she lay her head on the counter and stared off into space. It had been a quiet day and she'd been looking forward to a certain visitor.

A visitor that hasn't shown up, despite it being over an hour since he said he would.

“Guess he found that catastrophe,” she sighed again.

Then the door opened and Aspect walked in, leading another stallion into her shop. “I’m telling you, they need this,” he said. “Oh, hello there Bonnie. Sorry I’m late, but I was having a discussion with this delightful stallion. Apparently he’s very big in the fashion world.”

“Uhuh, that's nice,” Bon Bon grunted. She was well seated in her ‘I'm ignoring the universe’ mode.

“So anyway,” Aspect said to Hoity Toity, “By the way, these sweets are to die for. These five mares apparently don’t know how to graciously accept a gift, or trust that the mare making their gifts knows her business. So I would really appreciate it if you could...help them learn that lesson, and not hold it against Lady Rarity.”

“Hmm, too many times have I dealt with customers who believe they know better than the professionals.” Hoity nodded to him. “I can do this favour for you. Besides, word has it you have the ear of the Princesses. So, if they were to suddenly hear about my new store in Canterlot and pay a visit…?”

“Perhaps, but I can tell you right now, they’re probably not going to go to it for a while. They’re trying to get away from the city. It falling apart when they took a sabbatical didn’t help matters. They might not get around to visiting your store for a few weeks.” Aspect shook his head. “But on the other hoof, I’m relatively certain the five mares will realize the error of their ways and ask to show off the Lady’s first creations, which are truly worthy of nobility. They’re good friends, you see, and wouldn’t want to cause any actual harm to her reputation.”

“I will be sure to put on my very best act,” Hoity said and smiled. “Still, if there's anything else… like a dinner date perhaps?”

That was when a threatening low growl filled the room.

“Sorry, happily taken already,” Aspect said with a smile. “Though like I said, the sweets here are good.” He then turned to Bon Bon. “What would you suggest I give to this good stallion, in thanks for his agreement to the part?”

Bon Bon glared, before sweeping her hoof over the store. “Whatever you want, I don't care.”

“The macarons, then,” Aspect said, pointing at the tray. “Give me one to give to him. I’m sure he’ll find them as tasty as I did.”

Bon Bon placed one on the counter. “2 bits.” Aspect pulled out the bits from his saddlebag and put them on the counter, before passing Hoity the macaron.

The stallion paused before biting into it. His eyes widened and his sunglasses nearly fell from his muzzle.

“Is… is this what perfection tastes like?” The stallion whispered in awe.

“This, is what you can find if you think to look in a rustic little town like this,” Aspect said with a smile. “Consider it a good faith payment that you’ll uphold your end of the bargain.”

“No need for that, if these outfits are as terrible as you make them to be, I'll not have to try too hard.” He gave a nod to both ponies and took his leave, leaving Bon Bon alone with Aspect.

“So… only a catastrophe huh?” the mare said dryly.

“Sorry I took so long in getting to you,” Aspect said. “I had to head off a potential actual fashion disaster. Now it’ll just look like one for a little bit, and everyone will come out richer for it.”

“Good for you,” she muttered. Aspect being late wasn’t really that big a deal.

Spoiled Rich coming into her store and insulting almost every aspect of her life?

Much more irritating.

“So,” Aspect said. “I am probably invited to the Grand Galloping Gala, and until recently, had no date for it. Would you care to do me the honor of accompanying me there? I’m getting a fancy outfit made and everything.”

“Sure you want a ‘dirty mudcrawler’ sullying your appearance?” she muttered.

“Where did this attitude come from?” Aspect said with a frown. “You were much more chipper this morning…”

“Yeah. Well maybe I was looking forward to a certain somepony visiting after Spoiled Bitch came in and verbally dragged everything near and dear to me through the metaphorical mud!!” She was almost yelling by that point and panted slightly after her little outburst.

Aspect just stood there calmly. Once she was done, he waited for a moment before asking a question that he’d learned was crucial to being a good parent with angry children. “Feel better?”

“Maybe if I punched that sorry excuse for a pony in the face,” she muttered and started feeding her muzzle with macarons.

“If you keep that up, I won’t be able to take you out to dinner,” Aspect chided her.

“Why…” She sniffed. “Why bother with me? You could have any mare… and apparently stallion you could want. Me… I'm nopony.”

“I’m trying to do right by you,” Aspect said with a shake of his head. “Is it so hard to believe that I find you to be an intriguing mare and wish to pursue a relationship with you?”

Bon Bon sighed and thunked her head on the counter. “Sorry, just upset right now. I know you do right by me Aspect. And I love you for it. Just… urgh!” She thunked her head again.

“Did you just say…” Aspect breathed. “That you…”

“Say what?” Bon Bon asked, already reaching for another macaron.

“You just said you loved me,” he pointed out.

Bon Bon paused as she replayed what she’d said in her head. “...Oh.” She turned her usual shade of red as the macaron sat in her frozen hoof.

Aspect neared the counter, reared up, and used his height to reach over the counter with his muzzle to plant a kiss on Bon Bon’s lips. The mare blinked in surprise before she closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss, where they remained for quite a bit until their bodies reminded them that they needed to do a little thing called breathing.

Once the kiss broke apart, Bon Bon smiled bashfully. “So um, you… don’t mind then?”

“I don’t know what you see in this old warhorse, but if you love me, then the least I can do is return your affections,” Aspect said with a wink. “Who knows what’ll happen. And hey, I can safely say that you’re in love with one of the highest authorities in the land. Someone who’s actually important, unlike that mare that upsets you.”

“Oh, or one that just thinks he is?” Bon Bon smirked, looking more like her old self. “So, care to explain why you ditched me in favour of that four-legged bottle of cologne?”

And so Aspect regaled Bon Bon with the tale of the five mares that couldn’t accept a well-made gift, as well as the role that Hoity Toity would play in helping them realize that they should be grateful for what they have and to trust that their friend knew what she was doing.

“All in all, the only regret I have is that Rarity might actually think her reputation is in danger,” Aspect mused. “But if I were to inform her ahead of time, she might alter her performance.”

“Or she’d turn down your idea completely,” Bon Bon said. “Don’t worry, I don’t think Rarity is that much of a drama queen, I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

“Hopefully,” Aspect said with a nod. “Well, I got my stipend check today. Probably as a ‘sorry for spending your bits on cake’ from Tia. Want to go out to dinner? You can pick the location.”

“Hmm, I’ll let you choose,” Bon Bon replied. “Besides, you still have this Rarity drama yeah? You might wanna see to that first.”

“Eh, I’ve set it up, I wash my hooves of it after this,” Aspect said. “I trust they’ll work it out. And I don’t know a whole lot about this town.”

“You really are hopeless aren’t you?” Bon Bon smiled and shook her head. “Alright then my hopeless stallion. I’ll find us a suitable restaurant.”

“Cool,” Aspect said with a nod of his head. “I brought my cape and everything.”

“Expecting to save the world during dinnertime?” she giggled and booped his nose. “And to answer your earlier question. I would love to attend the Gala with you. Hopefully I can psyche myself up for it.”

“Well, when Rarity finishes my fancy clothes and asks me to come in to get them, I’ll make sure to ask you along as well,” the stallion said. “That way you might have a bit more...motivation.”

“Hmm, and what do you mean by that?” she asked with a cute tilt of her head.

“I just think you might be more inclined to attend the gala with me if you see what I’ll be wearing to it,” Aspect said with a smug smirk. “I mean, it works the other way around, right?”

“I suppose,” she replied with a small nod. “I just hope I can stand being around all those nobles…”

“Aspy!” Lyra tackle-hugged the stallion from behind as she burst into the room. “Watcha doing here? I thought you’d be doing weather work?”

“Finished early, set up some drama, came to take Bon Bon out for dinner,” Aspect said as he did his best to not fall to the ground without getting off of the counter first. “And really Bon Bon, if you think I’ll just leave you alone at the Gala, or go without the ability to zap anypony that would disparage you…”

“Wait, you can do that?” Lyra and Bon Bon echoed. Aspect flared a wing as there was the feeling of static gathering in the air.

“Okay, but you can give other ponies that ability too?” Bon Bon clarified.

“Oh, no, but if you think I’m leaving you alone at the gala, or going without this ability, you clearly don’t know me,” Aspect said with a shake of his head. “There was a time when nobles earned their titles through the defense of ponies, not merely inherited them. They were rewarded for their service with their titles and lands, they didn’t merely have them.”

“A lot has changed since those days,” Lyra sighed and then eeped when she saw Bon Bon’s look.

“Would you mind letting go of my stallion now?” the mare said sweetly, and Aspect could have sworn winter had come early. Lyra chuckled nervously and released him, only to be pulled into a Bonnie hug.

“Aww, she was jealous of you, not me,” Lyra giggled and nuzzled her friend.

“Everypony,” Aspect said with a shake of his head. “I swear, you’re all just a little weird and crazy in your own ways. This whole town.”

“He finally gets it!” Lyra smiled and patted him on the back. “Now you are truly one of us. Embrace the insanity, come over to our side. We have milk and cookies.”

“Oh no,” Aspect said, shaking his head more vigorously. “Somepony in this town needs to remain sane.”

“Aww, that’s cute,” Lyra giggled. “Twilight used to think the same. And look at her now.”

“Then I’ll try,” the stallion vowed. “I don’t know if I’ll succeed or not, but I’ll try.”

“Goddess-speed good sir,” Lyra saluted and looked at Bon Bon. “So… will you be home tonight?”

“I’m going out to dinner, but I don’t know what my plans are for after,” Bon replied as she finally ate that macaron. “I’ll let you know when I know.”

“Fair enough,” Lyra nodded and looked at Aspect. “You take care of my Bonnie mister. Got that!?”

“Yes ma’am,” Aspect said, pulling off a salute of his own. “I’ll go and freshen up back at home, that’ll give you time to make dinner for your friend, Bonnie. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Will do,” Bon Bon smiled and kissed his cheek. “I um…” she looked away and blushed. “Love you?”

He responded with a soft kiss to her lips, looking her in the eyes as he smiled at her. “Love you too. Take care, I’ll be right back.”

And with that, he was on his way home.

As he left, he could hear Lyra’s excited squeals for another three blocks…

Aspect stood outside of Bon Bon’s shop, waiting for her to be ready to go as his cape blew semi-dramatically in the slight breeze.

He thought it looked cool.

A few minutes later, Bon Bon emerged wearing a simple white sundress and a gold necklace with a blue crystal version of one of the bonbons that made up her cutie mark. Her mane was done up so the two colours were braided together.

“Sorry, did you wait long?” she asked.

“Not long at all,” Aspect said with a smile. “You look lovely tonight.”

“And you’re looking very cool,” she smiled. “Like a dashing hero.”

“Thanks, that’s what I was going for,” he said, leaning down to lift one of her hooves before planting a kiss on it. She blushed lightly and kissed his cheek.

“Well, let’s get going, I wouldn’t want to be late for our reservation.”

“We have a reservation?” Aspect asked as he followed her lead. “News to me, but okay.”

“I had Lyra duck out and make us one while I was cooking for her,” the mare informed him as she led him to ‘Gustave’s Le Grande’. “This place is about as fancy as you’ll get in Ponyville I’m afraid. It’s either here, the cafe, Sugarcube Corner or that seedy bar a few blocks over.”

“Noted,” Aspect said as he opened the door for her. “After you.”

She curtsied and walked up to the greeter just inside. “Hello there. We have a reservation for two? Should be under Bon Bon?”

“Hmm, ah yes, here it is,” she nodded. “Please follow me and I’ll take you to your seats.”

“Shall we?” Bon Bon offered her hoof.

“We shall indeed,” Aspect said as he followed her into the restaurant, taking her hoof along the way.

Once they were seated, the mare that showed them in smiled and Bon Bon suddenly had a sinking feeling.

A moment later, a stallion moved up next to their table and started playing a romantic song on the violin.

“Lyra…” Bon Bon sighed.

“Sir,” Aspect said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I appreciate what you’re doing. I do. But I think my companion and I would prefer to have some calm and peace of mind. Today has hardly been stress-free.”

“My apologies sir,” the stallion replied, looking only a little miffed his music wasn’t appreciated before he trotted off.

“He wasn’t that bad,” Bon Bon giggled. “Oh well, such is life I suppose.” A waiter dropped off some menus for them to look at and Bon Bon struck up some conversation. “So, how was work today? Enjoying being one of us lowly mortals?”

“Work was easy, boring, quick,” Aspect replied. “Not to say it wasn’t fun to do, I always am at my best if I’m at least doing something for my pay. But a clear sky is pretty easy to arrange and keep that way.”

“Well it is springtime,” she nodded. “We usually get some summer showers later on in the season, so I think you might be more busy then. Unless we get a wild storm from the Everfree.”

“Yes, I’ll look forward to that,” the stallion nodded. “And at least I’m getting a slight workout from my job.”

“You say that now,” Bon Bon grinned. “Wait until you have to deal with a tornado that Ditzy somehow set on fire.”

“That...sounds like a problem and a half,” Aspect groaned. “How does somepony even do that?”

“Nopony knows,” Bon Bon shrugged. “One of the many mysteries of Ponyville. Just… don’t ask her. She’s a little sensitive about it.”

“Duly noted,” the stallion said.

The waiter soon returned, an earth pony with a black, oiled-back mane. “Good evening Sir and Madame. Have you decided on your order yet?”

“Yes,” Aspect said as he closed his menu. “I think I’ll take an order of the seared salmon with a garden salad opener and a nice red wine.”

“I’ll have the herb fettuccine,” Bon Bon replied. “And some of this bread and dipping oils as an opener as well thank you.”

“All excellent choices,” he noted as he wrote it down. “I shall have your wine and starters out post haste.” And with that, he took his leave.

“Well that was easy,” Aspect said. “And it’s even something I would ordinarily find delicious as well, so bonus.”

“You mean the fish?” Bon Bon asked. “I heard it’s pretty common up in Cloudsdale. Though, I’ve never been there. For obvious reasons,” she shrugged her shoulders.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Aspect chuckled. “Still, I’ll bring something back for you when I go.”

“You plan on going?” Bon Bon asked. “What for?”

“Rainbow Dash has some sort of competition going on up there,” the stallion replied. “Figured I could see the city and catch a good show at the same time.”

“Ah, well that explains it,” Bon Bon said as she adjusted her necklace. “And um, sorry for springing that ‘love’ thing out of nowhere. I wished it had been a bit more romantic, rather than me spitting it out mid-rant.”

“Hey, in my line of work, and with the life I’ve lived, I’ve learned to take what life gives me and roll with it,” Aspect said. “It may not have been the best love confession in the world, but at least you mean it, yeah? We can build on it from there.”

“Still, I want a do over,” Bon Bon nodded. “Therefore, I order you to forget my confession so that I may do it properly.”

“I will attempt to look suitably impressed, awed, and amazed when you confess again,” Aspect said with a nod of his own.

“Your future snuggles depend on you giving a satisfactory reaction,” Bon Bon nodded and gave him a small smile. “Also. Can you tell me more about Written Script? I’d like to know what the mother of the Princesses is like, given now that I know what those alicorns of yours are truly like.”

“She was a good mother, kind to her children,” Aspect said. “Strict when she needed to be, but it usually fell on me to catch them misbehaving in the first place. They obeyed her a lot more than they did me...at least, when she was looking, anyways. And she could tell the best bedtime stories. She never had any problems getting them to bed.”

“Oh?” Bon Bon said, leaning forward slightly. “Do you still remember any of them?”

“She mostly based them around the things that were happening in Dream Valley,” Aspect said with a shake of his head. “And it’s been so long now…”

“Well, I’m sure they’ll come back to you,” Bon Bon smiled. A thought crossed Bon Bon’s mind, she’d have to ask her later about it. It was then that the waiter reappeared with their food and wine.

“Your appetisers,” he bowed his head and placed them before taking his leave.

“Ah,” Aspect said as he looked at the corked bottle. “I left my corkscrew at home…”

Bon Bon took the bottle and clasped her teeth around the cork, giving it a yank and pulling it out with a loud ‘pop’.

“Ta-daa~” she smiled and spat the cork out.

“Cheers,” Aspect said as he held up his glass. She filled his up, along with her own before clinking her glass against his.

“And to you as well,” she hummed and took a sip. “Ooh, this is a little stronger than to what I’m used to.”

“I haven’t drunk in ages,” Aspect said with a shrug, before taking a sip of his own. “Mmm, this seems good though.”

“Can alicorns even get drunk?” Bon Bon asked. “Oh wait, you’re human. Well, can they?”

“Technically yes,” Aspect said. “Though after the last time, I would not be surprised if Tia and Lulu keep up charms to keep them sober throughout all their public functions.”

“Last time?” Bon Bon echoed and grinned. “Ooh, that sounds like a delicious story.”

“There was a party in the Everfree’s castle,” Aspect said. “And one of the nobles brought a rather potent liquor. I abstained so that there would be at least one clear head...Lulu’s mostly a sad drunk, and Tia’s a very flirty one. That poor guard was so confused...”

“Oh dear,” Bon Bon giggled. This was even better than she thought. “M-More, details. Must know them~”

“Well Lulu mostly clung to me and sobbed about how nopony liked the effort she put into the night or keeping them all safe in their dreams. Whereas Tia...well, she basically insinuated that she has a thing for stallions in armor. All the guards there got real uncomfortable when they realized just why she surrounded herself with stallions.”

“Ahaha, so it’s true?” she gasped, trying to keep her laughs quiet. “There’s always been these rumors that the Solar Guard was really her personal harem.”

“Not really, though not for a lack of her trying,” Aspect said. “And I know she took at least one guard as a lover. She might have done it again since.”

“I suddenly picture the infallible Princess Celestia as Equestria’s most awkward flirt,” Bon Bon giggled and then paused. “Oh, wait. I mean… sorry.”

“No, it’s fine,” Aspect said with a wave of one wing. “They’re ponies too. They stopped being my little fillies a while ago, though they will always be my daughters.”

Celestia sat on her throne as she stared at the two guards that stood on either side of the stairs leading up to it. Court had come to a close and it was depressingly quiet in the room.

“So..” Celestia said as the stallions flinched from the sudden noise. “What are you two up to once this shift ends?”

“Going home to my wife and foal,” the first one said.

“Spending some time with my marefriend,” the second added. They both knew they could talk in front of Celestia. The whole intimidating guard act was mostly for the visitors anyways.

“...Dang,” Celestia sighed and slumped on her throne. This was the fourth pair of guards since she asked today. This was so unfair. She looked at the one with a marefriend.

“...Is she a good marefriend?”

“Thinking of asking her to marry me soon,” the stallion said.

“...Double dang,” Celestia frowned and sighed. “Well, congratulations I suppose.”

“Thank you your highness,” the stallion said, right before the shift change happened and they were replaced with another pair.

“So… are you two single?” Celestia just blatantly asked them as they took their positions. They exchanged a look before the one on the right spoke up first.

“I am,” he said.

“So’m I,” the one on the left answered. “Why?”

“Yes!” Celestia whispered to herself before looking at them. “I wish I brought my library card. Cause I wanna check you out~”

The pair of them blinked and the one on the right mouthed a few words, before the one on the left shook his head. Surely those rumors weren’t true. The Princess wouldn’t be hitting on her guard. Right?

“Do you know what this petryl is made of?” she asked and tapped her neckpiece. “Marefriend material.”

“Your highness, are you…” the one on the left started, before trailing off.

“Ah... heh…nevermindforgetIsaidanything” Celestia blushed and teleported off, her nerves finally getting the best of her.

“I swear she was hitting on us,” the one on the right stated.

“She wouldn’t do that,” the one on the left replied.

“Well, then what were those awkward pick-up lines for?” Right asked.

“She was probably just testing them on us before using them on her actual coltfriend,” Left answered.

“...Poor guy,” Right said with a small nod.

“...And then I had to stop all the broom and mops in the old castle,” Aspect said. “Took me half an hour before I just thought to stop the enchantment altogether. They flooded half the bloody castle.” The wine had lubricated his story-valve considerably.

Bon Bon’s laughter rang out over the restaurant. Apparently she got giggly when inebriated. “Oh my gosh, that’s just too funny. How did Princess Celestia mess that up so badly?”

“She thought enchanting a broom to sweep itself would get her out of chores,” Aspect said with a shrug. “I can see her point, but the key thing to keep in mind when making an army of household implements is making sure they’re your army.”

“Oh d-dear,” Bon Bon giggled and snorted. “That’s just too much. It was like when Lyra decided she could fit all these gumballs in her mouth… she looked like a minty chipmunk.”

“The first time Celly got a taste of cake,” Aspect chuckled. “She looked like she’d just tasted the best thing ever. I was afraid we’d broken her after that.”

“Given she incited civil war with the broom closet, that was probably a very real threat,” Bon Bon snorted. The main course had been delicious, but they’d opted out of dessert, Aspect claiming that anything Bon Bon could make would be better anyway.

“Okayokayokay!” Bon Bon held up a hoof. “I have to ask. There are… books on this. About the subject of Celestia and Luna’s… relationship. Have you seen them?”

“Not personally, no,” Aspect said as he rummaged around in his saddlebags before withdrawing a bitbag and leaving it on the table to pay for the meal.

“Oooh, you might not wanna then,” Bon Bon nodded. “Though, I think Lyra has one... pretty sure she keeps it in her drawer with her toys.”

“And suddenly I am very glad I don’t know,” Aspect deadpanned. “Okay, so where would you like to go next my beautiful Bonnie lass?”

“Bonnie lass,” she giggled. “Heehee, that’s funny-whoop!” she stumbled sideways and bumped into him. “Silly ground. Stop turning sideways.”

“All right, up you get,” Aspect said as he maneuvered his mare onto his back, to better keep her from stumbling. Once again, he was glad that he had practice in carrying ponies as a pony and was cheating again.

“Mmm, take me home and I’ll get you up too~” she purred and licked her lips.

“We going to your place or mine?” Aspect asked her.

“Mines closer,” she said.

“It also has a Lyra,” the stallion pointed out.

“Dun care, let her listen,” Bon Bon giggled.

“Right, your place it is,” Aspect said as he gave a nod to the staff on the way out.

It didn’t take long before they were at Bonnie’s place again, and Aspect pushed the door open before greeting the house at large. “Lyra, hello~”

“Hi?” the unicorn blinked, clearly not having expected them. “What are you doing here?”

“Taking Bonnie home to sleep off the wine,” Aspect said. “I’ll be right down.” With that, he made for the stairs.

“Aww, I don’t wannaa sleeep,” Bon Bon sighed and hugged him. “Come on, let’s have fun~”

“Convince me,” Aspect said as they neared her room.

All he got in response was some gentle snoring in his ear.

“My point exactly,” Aspect said as he neared her bed and gently eased her into it. Unless she woke up now and tried to drag him into the bed with her, he was probably gonna go…

As he walked out of the room.

“Don’t go,” she mumbled. He paused, one hoof on the doorknob, before sighing and turning around. He was probably gonna regret this…

But he crawled into the bed with her and snuggled up close. She sighed happily and hugged him close.

Lyra walked past and turned off the light. “Have a good night you two,” she whispered.

“You as well,” Aspect whispered back. It was looking like a nice calm night next to a pony that loved him.

Bon Bon winced as the morning sunlight caught her in the eyes and she groaned. She felt a warm body next to her and judging by the feathers she could feel, it must have been Aspect. She’d be touched over how sweet he was, if her head didn’t feel like it was going to split in half. She still kissed his cheek and went to roll over… only to be met with another warm body.

Wait… what?

“Mmmm, you were wonderful last night~” Lyra cooed and kissed the mares cheek as Bon Bon’s eyes grew in size while her pupils shrank. Her ears flattened as a single train of thought blazed through her mind.

‘What the ever-loving buck did I do last night?’

She slowly inched her way out of bed as Lyra gave her a smouldering gaze and blew her a kiss. Bon Bon suddenly screamed and bolted for the bathroom.

Lyra remained that way for a few seconds before her body started to shake, then she rolled off the side of the bed and onto the floor, laughing her head off at the successful prank.

Aspect merely grumbled and rolled over, pulling the blanket up past his head as he tried to get some more sleep.

Author's Notes:

Crazy day today, 'm sorry for the late upload.

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